PhD in System Design and Control Methodologies for Electro-Hydraulic Variable-speed Drive Networks (14-22031)

PhD in System Design and Control Methodologies for Electro-Hydraulic Variable-speed Drive Networks (14-22031)

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, AAU Energy, a position as PhD stipend is available within the general study program. The PhD stipend is open for appointment from 1st August 2022 or soon after. The position is for 3 years.

Job description

Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services and knowledge collaboration. AAU educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community. 
AAU Energy is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings. AAU Energy has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technology.
AAU Energy has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, this position is in Aalborg. 
The mission is to be world leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. AAU Energy has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 25 are administrative staff. In addition, AAU Energy constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world. 
Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent. 
Job description
The position is offered in relation to the research program Fluid Power Technology and the PhD Student will be positioned to the section for Mechatronic Systems.
The applicant must provide and upload a proper project description, which describes the applicants’ initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. The project description should have a length of 4-5 pages.”
The primary challenge within hydraulic transmission technology is low efficiencies resulting from the wide application of throttle valves for control of actuator motions, forces etc. An approach to limit the application of such valves is the use of variable-speed displacement units as these features low hydraulic losses, appropriate dynamic properties and compatibility with ongoing electrification and energy efficiency trends. At this point developments have mainly concerned standalone and compact actuator drive solutions, possibly with shared electric supplies when used in multi-actuator systems. The very feature of only sharing the electric supplies necessitates installation of per axis corner power to fulfill application requirements, a feature also shared with linear electro-mechanical drive solutions. Generally, this results in large motor power installations, often exceeding those of inefficient valve-controlled systems.  
Recently the idea of electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive networks was proposed, featuring both electric and hydraulic power distribution capabilities, across several actuators and completely without throttle control elements. It is however not clear how to obtain feasible network configurations and related controls in perspective of given load cycles, as the number of unique network solutions increases exponentially with the number of actuators to be included.
The objective of this PhD project is to investigate the possibilities for identification and characterization of unique configurations of electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive networks, as well as investigation and development of potential network architecture and control design methodologies. The project will initially be focused on a specific application with three hydraulic cylinders, but the developed methodologies should aim for applicability to systems with numerous actuators. Hence, a strong focus will be placed on theoretical developments and validation via simulation model, but also validations via experimental prototypes established in relation to the project.
The successful candidate holds a master’s degree in mechatronic control engineering or similar, with knowledge on electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive network technology including considerations on their architecture designs. Excellent proficiency in the English language is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.
You may obtain further professional information from Associate Professor Lasse Schmidt, AAU Energy,  phone: +45 2232 2622, email: [email protected].
Read more about AAU at www.aau.dk.
Read more about the AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk. 
For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Lisbeth Diinhoff, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email: [email protected], phone: +45 9940 9589.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.
For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science: www.phd.engineering.aau.dk  

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.
AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Agreement

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 28 June 2019 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

Vacancy number

14-22031

Deadline

05/06/2022

Apply online
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